BAY CITY, MI — The Bay City Elks Lodge wants to say thank you with a picnic.

The thanks are going out to the "people who safeguard our
community every day," said event organizer George Lynch, Bay City Elks exalted ruler.

All Bay County police, firefighters and emergency medical technicians, and their
families, are invited to the second annual Celebrating Hometown Heroes
event at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 27, at Bigelow Park on Evergreen in Bay City.

"We don't want anything in return, the Elks are about
charity and giving back to the community," said Lynch. "We just want the
families to come out so we can say thanks."

Last year, about 100 people attended, and Lynch is hoping for
150 people this year.

The Elks hired That Guys BBQ to grill up pulled pork and a
7up distributor is donating soft drinks for the event.

"We wanted to give back to those that give so much of
themselves every day," Lynch said. "They deserve our thank-yous."

The Elks is a charitable organization that supports
veterans and special needs students and awards scholarships.

This year, the Elks is putting in a school supply
drive to donate to charitable organizations in Bay County, "so the
supplies will go to the families that need them the most," Lynch said.

Bay City Elks Lodge #88 was awarded the Gratitude and
Beacon grants from Grand Lodge, the governing body of the Elks. It is using
part of that money on the Celebrating Hometown Heroes event.

"When was the last time someone stopped a cop and said thank
you?" Lynch asked.